Get (Street) Smart and Avoid Scams

With the rise of technology, came scams to catch people out who weren’t familiar with it. As technology progressively becomes better and better, it can be hard to keep up with it all. Especially as the calibre of scams continues to improve with time.

It’s almost like a yin and yang situation.

So, this post seeks to highlight the most commonly used scams out there right now. We’ve listed the peskiest buggers (for use of a nicer word) to ensure you can stay street smart and avoid losing out.

Is your road tax up to date?

The first one we should mention is one that’s been doing the rounds very recently. It involves an image and text posing as the UK government, stating that your road tax is not up-to-date due to failed payments.

Whatever you do – do not follow the link! Even when it’s accompanied by fearmongering text saying you could face a fine of £1,000. Otherwise, you could find your personal details have been stolen for fraud purposes.

Check your bank statements, and you can see the current status of your road tax online, right here. You will know if your road tax payment hasn’t gone through.

Don’t get ghosted

You may have heard of being ‘ghosted’ in the dating scene, but this is a little different. Ghost car insurance brokers pretend to be the middlemen for providers, and there has been a dramatic rise in the number of scammers using this old trick.

You’ll find fake insurance ghost brokers across social media platforms and messaging services, so it’s always best to conduct your own research first.

Our advice? Stick to well-known trustworthy sites. Like this one!

Car advert sound too good to be true?

That’s because it probably is. A 2018 plate Nissan for £500? We all know that’s unlikely, but horrible people out there will still try their luck in attempting to fool unsuspecting victims through Facebook, and other marketplace websites.

If you feel like it’s a bargain price for a vehicle you like the look of, then for the love of God, please go see the motor yourself first. If you don’t know much about cars – bring along someone who does. Check the history and documentation, too. You never know what you’re being sold on unregulated sites like these.

Stick to what you know

When it comes to car insurance and buying a car, it’s always best to stick to the most reputable and well-known places.

We’re sure you know by now, but here’s a quick pop quiz: where is the best place to find cheap and reliable car insurance policies? Yes, right here. Give yourself a pay on the back, and get started using our quick 3-minute form.